The West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana, in collaboration with Zhejiang University, China, will host a research seminar on at 9 a.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at WACCI. The event forms part of the China–Africa Partnership Institute Project, a joint initiative between the two institutions.
The delegation from Zhejiang University will be led by Prof. Qingyao Shu, Professor of Breeding and Biotechnology at the College of Agriculture and Biotechnology (CAB), Zhejiang University.
As part of the seminar, two Doctoral Research Fellows from Zhejiang University, Mr. Yangfan Chen and Mr. Yuhan Zhou, will present their research.
Mr. Chen’s presentation, “Methods for point-to-point verification of gene interactions,” will explore molecular biology techniques for validating protein–protein interactions, explaining their underlying principles and role in advancing gene function research.
Mr. Zhou’s presentation, “Unlocking rice's genetic potential: Big data-driven insights from population genomics,” will highlight how big data and artificial intelligence are transforming rice breeding to strengthen resilience, improve yields, and contribute to global food security.
Mr. Yuhan Zhou
The seminar underscores WACCI’s commitment to advancing cutting-edge research that addresses pressing challenges in agriculture and food security in Africa, through strategic partnerships.
About the China–Africa Partnership Institute Project
Launched in 2023 through a collaboration between WACCI and the College of Agriculture and Biotechnology (CAB) at Zhejiang University, the China–Africa Partnership Institute Project seeks to strengthen rice production in Ghana and across West Africa through research and academic exchange. The initiative is designed to revolutionise rice breeding in the subregion while empowering researchers and students through innovative split-site training opportunities.
